Water is a fundamental part and vital element in our lives. When we look around, there seems to be an abundance of water. Unfortunately, only as little as 3 per cent of the world’s water is actually consumable. This is why water is such a precious resource, and it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to save as much as possible on a daily basis.

Did you know that it takes a massive 7 liters of water to produce a single liter of bottled water, not to mention the energy used? We can all see it - we are slowly sinking in a sea of plastic, and this issue is becoming more urgent than ever now. I recently came across an interesting innovation – one that claims to be the one solution to the growing problem of plastic water bottle waste. A trio of Spanish design students think they have the answer, and it involves creating a ‘water bottle’ that you can eat.

Designers Rodrigo García González, Guillaume Couche and Pierre Paslier call their creation ‘Ooho’ - a gelatinous blob that is actually a membrane that encapsulates water like a bladder. When you’re thirsty, just puncture the membrane and drink. Or, if you also have an appetite, just pop a bite-sized Ooho in your mouth and chomp down for a burst of hydration. The gooey membrane, made from brown algae and calcium chloride, is edible, hygienic and biodegradable.

What happens of this invention is yet to be seen. Irrespective, our role as housekeepers (where cleaning requires the usage of massive amounts of water) remains crucial in saving water. Forecasts warn that water availability in cities could decline by as much as two-thirds by 2050 as a result of climate change!